Lambton Public Health has released some tips to help individuals get through this week's heat wave.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region and Sarnia's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) had already reached a moderate risk level by 10 a.m. Wednesday.
"Air Quality Health Index advisories can cause some individuals to experience irritation with their eyes as well as breathing difficulties, and those with heart or lung conditions, including asthma, are really more affected by this," said Health Protection Supervisor Lori Lucas. "We're recommending that people avoid strenuous outdoor activities because it could worsen the symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath."
Lucas said children, the elderly, and people with chronic heart or lung conditions should try to remain indoors in the late afternoon when the UV index is most intense.
"If you don't need to get out there and cut your grass today, it's probably a good idea to limit the use of small engine tools like your lawnmower, or any chainsaws, or yard work leaf blowers."
Avoiding the use of aerosol sprays and cleaners, paints, and reducing car use, if possible, is also recommended.
"If you must drive try carpooling with somebody and avoid any unnecessary idling. Instead of waiting out in the parking lot, go into the store or mall with the person that you're with."
Lucas said people who work or live near the highway should also be cautious.
"Those individuals that live near the [Highway] 402, take some extra precautions, especially if there's any truck traffic because that (idling) traffic congestion, with prevailing winds, can increase the affected air quality."
Lucas said it's a good idea for everyone to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
During the heat event, OPP are also reminding pet owners to not leave their fury friends in hot vehicles.
"Please leave your pet at home," said Cst. Ed Sanchuk in a video posted to Twitter. "It's going to save you from injuring or killing [an] animal and it's going to save you [from] a $490 ticket."
To show just how hot a vehicle can get, Sanchuk demonstrated by taking the temperature reading.
"On a day where the temperature's 26 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a motor vehicle can reach 32 degrees Celsius," he said. "If you leave your motor vehicle in the sun, that temperature can reach 71 degrees Celsius which is extremely hot and can have devastating effects on your pet."
Daytime high temperatures are expected to reach 32 to 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday with humidex values in the low to mid 40s.
Overnight low temperatures are expected to be 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing minimal relief from the heat.
Due to COVID-19, cooling centers are limited. For a list of air-conditioned locations available for the public seeking relief from the heat, click here.
Conditions are expected to improve Thursday evening.
- With files from Natalia Vega